This maginificent house, known as "El Canto del Pico" (The song of the peak) was built in 1927 by the Conde de las Almenas. During the Spanish Civil War, it was used as the headquarters of the general staff of the Republican Army and from here General Miaja directed his troops in the Battle of Brunete.

After the Civil War, the Conde de las Almenas gave the house to the victor, Francisco Franco.

In the 1980's it was sold by the estate of Franco's widow to a private company with the idea of converting it into a luxury hotel. However, after many years of political wrangling the property was aquired by the municipality. In 1997, the roof burned after a hoboe started a fire there to keep himself warm. I saw it burning in the early morning as I set off to work.

Again, political wrangling delayed the replacement of the roof by some five years. Today the house remains derelict, waiting .............